The products were linked to 7,000 hospital visits.
Esther Jo Bethard tragically passed away at just 10 months old after accidentally ingesting a stray water bead, a small, absorbent sphere commonly used as a children’s toy or sensory tool. These colorful and squishy beads, while seemingly innocuous, pose significant risks to young children if swallowed or inserted into their noses or ears.
Water beads have been associated with various hazards, including choking, intestinal blockages, bowel obstructions, lung damage, pain, hearing impairment, and infections. From 2018 to 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded nearly 7,000 emergency room visits due to water bead-related injuries.
In response to these dangers, a bipartisan bill named “Esther’s Law” has been introduced in the Senate by Democratic Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Bob Casey, along with Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of water beads marketed as children’s toys, sensory tools, or educational materials.
“Esther’s Law” directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish this ban and mandate warning labels on water bead packages not intended for children. It also urges consideration of regulations regarding the colors of water beads that pose ingestion hazards.
Esther’s mother, Taylor Bethard, expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future. The bill has garnered widespread support from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, which ceased selling water beads in December.
While a similar bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Frank Pallone, it lacks certain provisions included in “Esther’s Law.” Additionally, the CPSC has warned about certain water beads containing unsafe levels of acrylamide, a potential human carcinogen.
Given the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating injuries caused by water beads, such as their invisibility on X-rays, the swift implementation of preventive measures through legislation is crucial. The CPSC, while not taking a stance on the bill, recognizes the need for timely action to safeguard children and prevent further tragedies.
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